Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, known for her close ties with the Cuban regime, was detained in Brussels on Tuesday amid an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption involving EU-funded projects, as reported by the Belgian newspaper Le Soir.
The Italian politician, who served as the EU's chief diplomat from 2014 to 2019 and later as rector of the College of Europe, is suspected of participating in a scheme to embezzle public funds intended for the training of young European diplomats, according to the Spanish daily El Mundo.
Belgian authorities and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) have confirmed that the investigation includes searches at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels and the College of Europe in Bruges.
Two senior officials—Italian diplomat Stefano Sannino and a director from the academic institution—were also detained for questioning.
The alleged offenses under investigation could include public procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) took part in the operation alongside Belgian federal police.
Mogherini's case has sparked immediate reactions not only across Europe but also in Latin America, where her name is linked to a notably accommodating stance toward the Cuban regime.
During her tenure, she maintained a close relationship with Havana and was regarded by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla as a "Dear Friend" of the Cuban Revolution.
Mogherini publicly advocated for dialogue with the governments of Raúl Castro and later Miguel Díaz-Canel, often refraining from condemning the repression of dissidents and protesters.
Her official visit to Cuba in September 2019 coincided with one of the most severe crackdowns in recent years: the March of the Sunflowers, during which over 100 activists were arrested.
"She was in Cuba during a wave of repression like few others, and Ms. Mogherini spoke of a wonderful Cuba," criticized Spanish MEP Hermann Tertsch, accusing her of complicity with "the bloody Cuban dictatorship."
On that trip, the diplomat received official honors, toured Havana's historic district, and avoided meeting with opposition members or human rights organizations.
Her speeches emphasized the "cooperation and friendship" between Brussels and Havana, even in the face of international denunciations of repression, censorship, and political prisoners on the island.
Mogherini's arrest adds to a series of scandals that have rocked European institutions in recent years, such as Qatargate and Moroccogate, casting doubt on the transparency of the EU's bureaucratic machinery.
According to witnesses cited by Le Soir, about a dozen agents entered the EEAS headquarters early in the morning to seize documents and computer equipment. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating potential irregularities in contracts related to the diplomat training program between 2021 and 2022.
So far, neither Mogherini nor her lawyers have made public statements. The European Commission confirmed the searches but noted that the case pertains to "activities from the previous mandate."
FAQs on Federica Mogherini's Arrest and EU Corruption Scandals
What are the charges against Federica Mogherini?
Federica Mogherini is facing charges related to alleged fraud and corruption in EU-funded projects, specifically involving the embezzlement of public funds meant for training young European diplomats.
Who else has been detained in connection with this investigation?
Alongside Federica Mogherini, Italian diplomat Stefano Sannino and a director from the College of Europe have also been detained for questioning.
What impact has Mogherini's arrest had internationally?
The arrest has generated reactions across Europe and Latin America, particularly due to Mogherini's previous accommodating stance toward the Cuban regime, raising questions about EU transparency and governance.